Putting on a production
At HNMCS, the TGJ3M (Communications Technology) course introduces students to the principles and practices of communications technology. It emphasizes hands-on experience with various tools, software, and techniques used in media production, including graphic design, audio/visual production, and digital imaging.
The skills our students learn in this programme are executed at many school events, but are most evident at the Christmas Concert and Spring Café productions. There is a team of dedicated individuals that are assigned to various specific roles, including operating audio mixing desk, operating follow spotlights, operating stage lighting, controlling video backdrops, operating curtains and setting up props for scenes. On top of this a team of Comms Tech students operate two live video cameras, a single remote camera and a live production switcher, to broadcast the show live to the dedicated HNMCS Stream YouTube channel. What the girls learn gives them a fundamental set of core skills in media broadcasting. This gives them a real head start if they pursue a media related field, as their core knowledge is already sound and they can further enhance their skillset.
Since YouTube began allowing regular users to Live Stream in 2011, the numbers of viewers using streaming as a way to consume media has risen dramatically. At HNMCS it was identified that this was a skillset that students should learn if they wished to pursue a career in any of the media sectors.
What it takes to run a stream
A camera operator uses a tripod mounted production camera with camera arm controlled manual zoom and focus. The operators will frame their shots according to their visual decisions or instruction from the producer. These can include, but are not limited to, wide angle shots, close up shots or pan shots. If the producer requires a specific framed shot they will use a headset communication system to ask the camera operator to frame a certain shot.
The producer can preview all the cameras on a single screen and make decisions about which camera to show on the live stream. At the press of a button cameras can be swapped using various transition techniques.
Sound
It is also important to recognize the skills of the stage crew who engineer the sound that the concert creates. This audio is played to the audience via the speakers system in the gym and is picked up by the cameras through external microphones. The show producer can then manage the audio feed, ensuring quality sound is being fed to the stream.
Graphic Design skills
Also, a number of dedicated still graphics can be created and shown during the stream. These normally include introductory graphics, ending graphics and graphics for emergencies. The images included in this blog give you a visual idea of the skills the students are learning to put together a live stream of an event at HNMCS.
Lighting
HNMCS has 3 LED follow spotlights that are operated by students who are choreographed to light whatever elements of the production the artistic director desires. These spotlights can also change colour and size so they can greatly enhance the lighting techniques used to best showcase the performance. The students that operate these have to work efficiently and effectively to contribute to the whole performance.
Our next production is Spring Café on Thursday, April 24th. Come out and support our student production team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the performers are showcased in the best way possible.
- Andrew MacLeod, Director of Technology
